[S9E11]: Armani-geddon
The episode begins with various shots of Beverly Beach. The camera focuses in on a Bentley Flying Spur as it speeds down the road.
Inside of the car, Marcie dials up her real estate friend.
Marcie: “Hey Victoria! I’m almost at the house I should be there in 5 minutes, also when you get this message can you please double check if I can even afford this place on my own!”
“Today I’m meeting with my friend Victoria to discuss the reality of the fact I might be.. living alone really soon. It’s a scary thought and a scarier concept, but Victoria’s been a realtor for over two decades in this city. I trust she’s going to put me somewhere safe.”
Marcie pulls up to a gated house. Victoria is shown standing out front with a remote opening the gate as Marcie’s Bentley pulls in. Marcie gets out of the car.
Victoria: “Isn’t that amazing?! Your own private gate for security!”
Marcie: “Victoria.. this is stunning..”
Marcie: “But can I even afford this?” She looks around. “Let’s be realistic I don’t want to step inside and disappoint myself!”
Victoria: “Yes Marcie.. look it’s tapping the top of your budget.”
Marcie interrupts her with her arms folded.
Marcie: “What’s tapping to you, Victoria?”
Victoria: “It’s like $6.5 million!”
Marcie blinks really long.
Marcie: “My budget is $5 million and you want me to choose somewhere with no leeway?”
Victoria: “I just want you to see the POTENTIAL of what your budget can do for you!”
Marcie: “Okay but Victoria this is — “
Victoria interrupts her now.
Victoria: “Shhhhh this is the part where we go inside yes so follow me!”
Victoria leads Marcie in for a tour. We get fantastic shots of the beautiful home.
“Victoria’s.. my good friend but she’s still an agent. She needs commission like I need my clients so I understand why but she still needs to remember. There’s no way I’m spending over six MILLION dollars on a house for myself. It’s just unrealistic.”
They go through the kitchen and get to the outdoor pool and patio area.
Victoria: “This is what I want you to see Mar! All the fun you could have as a divorcee here!”
Marcie: “Victoria…nobody said divorce.”
Victoria turns sharply.
Victoria: “Well then why are we here? You and Jonathon are not in a good place.. it’s kinda public knowledge at this point.”
Marcie: “Vic.. this is just a place for me to have my solitude while Jon finds one that fits his. Just because we’re in a bad place doesn’t mean that we have to dissolve the marriage on paper.”
Victoria: “Marcie I get it.. because I’m your friend, but what will everyone else think.”
Marcie: “Honestly Vic.. fuck em! Who cares what they think? I deserve to be happy and that’s all I’m thinking about right now. I’m so tired of living through everyone else’s guidelines!”
Victoria: “Marcie you just opened a business in BEVERLY BEACH and you just think separating won’t cause and commotion or change anything?” She furrows her brow.
Marcie: “I’m sure it will cause commotion, but the only thing that could cause ‘change’ is Jonathon, and as much of an asshole that he is he wouldn’t try to sabotage the mother of his child from getting out of HIS pockets.”
Victoria: “I hope you’re right…”
“I understand a divorce changes a lot, which is why I don’t want to do a legal dissolve. I think it’s fine that we stay married but live separately. If it ever comes to Jonathan wanting to legally separate, we’ll have the conversation but right now I think he’s just going through midlife crisis.”
Victoria and Marcie make their way back outside. They go upstairs and view the massive primary
Victoria: “This could be all yours, Marcie!”
Marcie: “What am I going to do with a four bedroom house though?”
Victoria: “Well I don’t know! Invite Mikey’s friends over!”
Marcie: “And have them trash my new house no thank you!”
Victoria: “So — you’re putting in an offer?” She looks at Marcie.
Marcie: “Victoria! Jesus this is like the third house you’ve shown me can we take a chill pill!”
Victoria: “I’m sorry! I just think getting away from Jon would be really good for you!”
Marcie: “I do too.. but I can’t rush such a big change like this! It has to be perfect.”
Victoria: “What’s perfect to you?”
Marcie: “I’ll know it when I see it.”
“This is all a great start to a bigger future for me, but there’s no need to rush things anymore. I’m at the age where it’s ok to slow down, smell the roses, and take things day by day. Instead of living in an anxiety ridden head where I panic about my future.”
The scene ends as Marcie and Victoria walk back downstairs.
The scene opens with shots of The Blake Agency.
Inside, the camera follows Olivia as she walks the halls.
She glances over to the work room. The camera zooms in on Weston who is sewing.
We see Olivia make a face and walk towards the reception area.
“Today I invited Monsè to the Blake Agency for her fitting for some of the outfits she’ll be wearing in Paris during the fashion show. Weston will be doing her measurements since he’s no longer in a leadership role at the company.” She grins.
As Olivia chats with the receptionist, the elevator ‘dings’ and Monsè walks out.
Monsè: “Hello, hello! The model has arrived!” She laughs and gives Olivia a hug. “Hey, how are you, babe?”
Olivia: “Hey babe! Thank you for coming by for your fitting! I am doing great! Getting excited for Paris! You?”
Monsè: “I am amazing! I’m so happy you’d consider me for something like this. I am beyond excited for Paris girl.”
Olivia: “Great! Today, Weston will be doing your measurements!”
Monsè: “Oh really? What happened with all of that? I’m honestly surprised you still employee him…” She purses her lips.
Olivia: “Weston has been demoted due what you and Val told me.” She smiles. “I didn’t want to let him go due to his non-compete clause that would have left him unemployed for a year. He may have made a mistake, but everyone deserves a second chance.”
Monsè: “Wow! That’s so…generous!” She smiles. “Shall we get started then?”
“This bitch is hardcore! I don’t want to get on her bad side, hunni.”
Olivia leads Monsè back to the work room where Weston is sewing on a machine.
Olivia: “Weston, love. Monsè is here for her fitting. Treat her well, I’m sure you will since you love to gossip with her.”
Weston stops sewing and looks up, faking a smile.
Weston: “Fantastic.”
Olivia: “When you’ve finished, come back to my office, will you, Monsè? I have a bottle of champagne so we can catch up.”
Olivia smiles and walks out of the room.
Monsè: “Hi Weston. Long time no see babe.” She looks around awkwardly. “So… what am I trying on first?”
Weston gets up and pulls a garment off the rack, he hands it to Monsè.
Weston: “Here you are. Let’s keep it professional babe, now that I know you like to play run and tell that…” He gives Monsè an ‘up and down’.
Monsè: “Oh it’s like that? Okay that’s fine, hunni. But next time you blab about your boss don’t do it to people in her social circle.” She examines the dress. “You’re lucky you’re even here measuring my clothes right now, so act like it…”
Weston: “And you’re lucky you’re getting this opportunity to model — we all know you need the finances.” He snatches a measuring tape and places it around Monsè’s waist.
“Uh uh, now why am I getting attitude?! Weston dug this hole himself, this has nothing to do with me.”
Weston: “SUCK IN!” He jostles Monsè around.
Monsè: “ Ooh- Careful hunni, don’t let Olivia hear you talking to a client like that. You’ve already been knocked down more than a few pegs.”
Weston rolls his eyes.
Weston: “I got your measurements Monsè. You can go back in there with Olivia — don’t worry. I will size you up because I know you’ll be gaining weight eating McDonald’s since it’s for the poor people.” He smiles. “Have fun in Paris!”
Monsè gives Weston a look of disgust.
Monsè: “And you have fun in the supply closet, babe!” She sneers.
Monsè makes her way out of the room and walks to Olivia’s office. Olivia has two glasses of champagne poured as she works on her computer.
Monsè: “That Weston’s got an attitude on him, girl. I don’t know how you’ve dealt with him so long!” She takes a seat.
Olivia laughs.
Olivia: “He’s pretty good at his job. How’ve you been doing, babe?”
Monsè: “I’m all right. Work is crazy busy these days, but at least we’re not out of business! And how are you, hun?” She takes a sip of champagne.
Monsè: “I was a little surprised to see some tension between you and Yvonne the other day.”
Olivia nods.
Olivia: “Tell me about it! When you ladies were at Coachella, the woman lost her mind in my home. She has a hard on for mess and that’s never been my vibe. I’ve known Yvonne for years, and I’m not one who will put up with her bullshit.”
Monsè: “Now that I believe!” She laughs. “It’s nice to have someone around the group who won’t put up with her mess. But what was all that about you and Brandon being ‘horrible bosses’?”
Monsè: “ It seems like you’re actually pretty generous keeping around help like Weston…”
Olivia: “She hears gossip and runs with it because she’s so bored in her marriage.” She laughs. “Horace has too much pride to indulge in viagra and he is old school and doesn’t approve of toys so she just gets off on upsetting others.”
Monsè: “Whewww not the Horace stray, chile!” She chuckles.
Olivia: “I’ve never had any issues with employees before Weston and my husband is in the process of building his new oil company here in Beverly Beach and has no employees.” She shrugs. “She makes stuff up and runs with the things she hears.”
“When it comes to Brandon, Yvonne was just pulling crap out of her ass. Her ‘tea’ on me comes from what she’s heard Val and Monsè say that Weston told them.” She shakes her head.
Monsè: “I’m familiar with her style of gossip, though. That’s really unfortunate. I wish we could just have a real sisterhood for once and stop tearing down each other’s businesses. I mean, my production company hasn’t had the best year with the strikes obviously, but it would be nice to feel like I have some support in this group, someone to lean on you know?”
Olivia: “I agree 100%.” She nods. “Look…” She grabs Monsè’s hand. “ I told the others early on, I would really love to take you under my wing. I see a lot of potential in you.” She smiles. “I could see you being in front of the camera modeling and not just behind the cameras producing. If you’re up for me being like an older sister or mentor.”
“I don’t offer to mentor just anyone. I see potential in Monsè. I think she’s a go getter with a lot of ambition and heart. She’s also gorgeous. She reminds me of a younger me.”
The camera pans to Monsè who looks a bit taken aback.
Monsè: “Me? A model?!” Don’t lie to me now, Miss Blake!” She laughs. “That’s actually really sweet, though. I’d love that, thank you.”
“I’ve always seen Olivia as a go-getter and a pillar of the Beverly Beach community. She’s a big inspiration to me for what a girl boss should really be.”
Olivia: “Yay!! Now tell me, what’s happening with your production company. Have you all not recovered after the strike ended? What was that, 2 months ago?”
Monsè: “Well, with productions being put on pause for so long everyone is struggling to get back on their feet. But my husband the CEO and our financial advisor fell for some get rich quick scheme to keep us afloat and well… it’s causing more problems than solutions for us. It’s definitely not been good for our marriage either…” She begins to tear up.
Olivia shakes her head.
Olivia: “ I’m sorry, please don’t cry. I know that must be incredibly difficult for you and straining on your marriage.”
Monsè: “It’s been really hard, I can’t lie. But thank you for listening, really. I know some of the women in our group would just love to tear me apart for something like this.”
“What is going on with all the women’s significant others? Monse’s husband is draining their money, Marcie’s is abusing her and Valentina, there are the Brandon Armani cheating rumors that we all hear but don’t talk about, Horace can’t get it up, and Jean-Luc and Violette are so unserious. I guess at least my Brandon and Serena’s husband are getting a gold star!”
Monsè: “Im just glad that while there’s women that like to tear each other down, I have women like you and Val to build me back up.” She smiles.
Olivia: “Look, this is a sister circle. I wouldn’t tear you down for an issue that is impacting you mentally and emotionally. I’m here for you girl. Give me a hug.” She gets up and gives Monsè a hug. “We will have a good time in Paris and let loose!”
Monsè: “Yaass, I know that’s right. I can’t wait! Business on the runway and party at the chateau! We’re gonna have a great time.”
Olivia: “On that note!” She holds up her glass. “Cheers to Paris, sisterhood, and living our best lives abroad!” She laughs and clinks with Monsè.
Monsè: “Cheers to that, hunni!”
The scene fades as the two ‘Wives laugh.
The scene begins as we get shots of a fancy venue in downtown Beverly Beach.
Inside, there is a formal dinner going on. The camera pans to Yvonne sitting next to her son, Alonzo, as they eat with other attendees.
“Tonight, I’m attending the Beverly Beach Chamber of Commerce Dinner with my son, Alonzo, who’s an attorney in Chicago. Whenever he’s in town, I try to find ways for us to spend time talking about his life and just having a little mother-son time.”
Yvonne: “This pie is delicious, I need the recipe.”
Alonzo: “Yeah, you were never good with baking but maybe now you are…”
Yvonne scoffs.
Yvonne: “Little boy, I’ll have you know that your father loves my pies.”
Alonzo: “Okay Mom. Husbands are supposed to support their wives blindly.”
Yvonne: “Touchè!” She laughs. “Speaking of husband and wife, how is your fiancée?”
Alonzo: “She’s great. She’ll be here tomorrow. She and Asha are going to spend some time together and look at the dress shop you recommended.”
Yvonne: “OH good, they’re going to make sure she looks fabulous.”
“My son Alonzo is almost 30 and it’s time to settle down and that’s exactly what he’s doing! His soon-to-be wife, Jamie, is a lovely lady who I’ve met a few times and I approve her for him. Of course you know this wedding wouldn’t happen if I didn’t…I’m just saying.”
Alonzo: “And what about you? Asha told me that you want to abandon the family business.”
Yvonne looks taken aback.
Yvonne: “Is that what the little hussy told you? I can’t believe her…” She inhales and slowly exhales. “ She’s sorta right. I think after a decade, it’s time for me to live for me and not for the family. We’ll always have the empire but someone else needs to reign.”
Alonzo nods.
Alonzo: “I’ve seen you help the business basically my whole life. It’s a lot, I get it. But what does the family think?”
Yvonne: “The other part of the family doesn’t know, Bubba. I’m withholding until I find the right time.”
Alonzo: “Which could be never.”
Yvonne: “It’ll be soon because I have my resignation drafted and ready for submission.”
Alonzo looks shocked and takes a sip of water before speaking.
Alonzo: “Oh you’re really serious…”
Yvonne: “As a heart attack I hope not to have.” She folds her arms. “Like you said, it’s a lot and it needs to be handled delicately. Hopefully, it’ll get done before your wedding so there’s no family drama.”
Alonzo: “Please! I want a peaceful ceremony.”
Yvonne: “And you will have that honey.”
“I’m not sure exactly what’s next for me but I do know that it’s all about Yvonne. That may sound selfish to some but to those who understand, you completely get it. I know you do.”
Alonzo: “Let’s see if they’ll give you a slice of pie to go.”
Yvonne: “Yes, go work your attorney skills on the chef and threaten a lawsuit if they don’t oblige.” She giggles.
The scene fades out.
The scene begins as the camera pans over the Armani Residence.
We see Valentina in the kitchen as she puts some roses in a vase and then pulls out a nice bottle of wine from the wine cellar.
“I am doing something romantic for Brandon since we’ve had a few rough weeks lately. I figured Marcie could use some time out of the house and I know Serena is great at bagging a man so I need their help and support!” She smiles. “Plus, I can’t wait for them to meet Katarina…” She shifts a little.
The doorbell rings to reveal Serena standing outside of the Armani’s door. A few seconds later, Valentina opens the door.
Valentina: “Serena, get the hell in here girl!” She gives her a hug.
Serena: “I didn’t want to just walk in!”
Valentina closes the door and the two women stand in the foyer.
Serena: “Especially, since you are planning a date night tonight!”
Valentina: “I should’ve opened the door in my lingerie!”
Serena: “You would’ve ate that up!”
The women laugh before the scene switches to show Marcie pulling up outside.
The camera stays on Marcie as she gets out of her car and then walks up to the door. A few seconds later, Valentina opens the door.
Valentina: “Marcie, get in here! Serena and I were just talking!”
Marcie: “OH HIII!”
Serena: “Hey Marcie, how are you?”
Marcie: “Hi Serena!”
Marcie gives a hug to both of the ‘Wives.
Serena: “I love this ensemble!! Is this an Amés beauty collection piece?”
Marcie: “I don’t remember!” She laughs. “Probably something from Nordstrom Rack!”
Serena: “Oh. Well, it’s very beautiful.”
“I’m so glad to see Marcie here! After the situation with her storming out, I definitely have some questions for her.”
We hear high heels. The camera pans to show Valentina’s mother, Katarina Windsor, making her way down the grand staircase as the ‘Wives chat in the foyer.
Katarina: “Well hello ladies!” She grins and waves a bit as she gets to the bottom of the staircase.
Marcie, Serena, and Valentina both turn to face Katarina as she makes her way over.
Katarina: “Valentina who are these gorgeous girls. Are you just going to let me stand here and look pretty or are you going to introduce your wonderful mother.”
Serena: “I — well come on, momma.”
Valentina: “Girls this is my mom, Katarina…. I’m sure you both remember me talking about her!”
Marcie: “Oh hi there! I’m Marcie Maples, hairstylist to the stars!” She extends her hand.
Katarina looks Marcie up and down before gingerily offering her hand over for a handshake.
Katarina: “Hairstylist to the stars? Well honey, you don’t have me in your salon chair, do you?” She chuckles a bit.
Marcie: “Oh! Well…no.” She laughs.
“God, my mom just says whatever is on her mind.” She shakes her head. “I mean, this is embarrassing.”
“Another Valentina! No wonder she’s…well…”
Serena: “You can come and sit in my chair anytime, Katarina. Hello momma! I am Serena Amès. Nice to meet you.”
Katarina smiles at Serena and nods in approval before shaking her hand.
Katarina: “Now that’s how you greet a mother Serena. Maybe you can give Valentina some advice, she’s sending me to a hotel for the night.” She rolls her eyes. “Since her and her husband haven’t slept in the same bed in weeks….”
Serena gasps and looks at Valentina.
Marcie: “Oh!”
Valentina cuts Katarina a look.
Valentina: “Mother…that’s not really anyone business.”
“AHHH! Mrs. Katarina is telling Val’s buisness. Quickly!” She laughs. “Whew! I see exactly why Val is Val!”
We see Valentina looks down at her phone.
Valentina: “Well, the driver is here, mother. I’ll have Char bring your bag down to the car. See you after check out!”
Katarina: “Ladies it was so nice to meet you. It appears my daughter is kicking me to the curb yet again.”
Marcie: “Nice to meet you!”
Serena: “It was a pleasure, Mrs. Katarina!”
“I hold a lot of secrets in about my daughter’s relationship and if she wants to me exploit them she has one more time to dismiss me like that before I… well tell everyone how bad her relationship really is.”
We see Katarina walking out of the house and the scene goes back to Valentina, Serena, and Marcie.
Valentina: “Well! That’s my wonderful mother, ladies!”
Serena: “Wow. She’s feisty.”
Marcie: “She’s…alot.”
Valentina nods in agreement.
Valentina: “She’s definitely feisty and she’s definitely cut throat.” She sighs.
Serena looks at Valentina, concerned.
Serena: “So, how are you doing with her here, Val?”
Valentina: “I don’t know how much more of this I can take…. My marriage is practically falling apart since she’s gotten here and she just speaks to me so horribly.” She starts to tear up.
Serena: “I… I see. You don’t have to take that though Val. Especially if it’s costing you your marriage.” She gives Valentina a hug.
Marcie: “Why doesn’t she go home?” She furrows her brow.
Valentina: “She said it makes her feel lonely….”
Serena: “Maybe she needs a dog. Or a little fling.”
Marcie: “Well, there’s like homes with…friends. I don’t know.” She shrugs.
“I don’t want to say a senior citizen home! But…”
Valentina: “I’ve offered I’ve tried. It’s gotten to the point where Brandon hasn’t been home in weeks.”
Serena: “Wait a minute! Weeks?! Where is he?!”
Marcie: “Where the hell has he been staying?”
Valentina: “He’s been ‘working’ on a movie.”
Serena and Marcie both glance at one another.
“Is the ‘movie’ starring a 5'8 blondette who just turned 20? Sorry, Val, but honestly…let’s be realistic.”
Valentina: “Listen, I know it’s bad right now. That’s why I invited you ladies over to help me. I am here trying to make it a fun date night in hopes that Brandon will want to come back home again.”
“Look the reality is I’ve been hiding from the fact that my marriage is failing this year but I want to make it work. I do not want to become another divorce statistic in Beverly Beach. I try to be the perfect wife but I can only do so much when my world is crumbling.”
The camera follows Valentina, Marcie, and Serena as they walk through the kitchen and grab some table decor and supplies. Valentina then leads them outside by the Armani’s giant pool where she has a table for two.
We get a montage as the ‘Wives set up the table. Once done, they make their way to a poolside cabana.
Marcie: “Hang on.” She pulls a joint out of her purse. “Something just for us girls!”
Serena: “Not a joint!” She laughs. “I’m more of an edible and wine girly, but I can take a puff with you.” She smiles.
Marcie lights up the joint and Valentina sits back and crosses her legs.
Valentina: “Enough about me for today. Marcie, how are you feeling after everything that happened at The Beach Haus?”
Serena: “Yes, how have you been?” She looks to Marcie.
Marcie rolls her eyes and takes a hit of her joint.
Marcie: “Are you fucking for real!? I’m not over it.”
Valentina: “It was alot…”
Marcie: “Yvonne’s got me so pissed off. She is completely out of it! I really think she’s lost it!” She puts her joint out. “Yvonne has no empathy, nothing.” She shakes her head.
Serena: “But, do you think she made some valid points?”
Valentina looks at Serena and makes a face. Marcie snaps her head in Serena’s direction.
Marcie: “Serena, are you like fucking for real right now?!”
Valentina: “Ladies please remember we are in my home…” She scoots a water glass away from Marcie.
Marcie: “Serena, she said that Jon was throwing me around a room!”
Marcie: “That is repulsive! It’s honestly just straight up disgraceful.” She shakes her head.
Serena: “If I’m being honest, I do feel that you are not being 100 percent truthful about things.”
Marcie’s eyes widen.
Serena: “You were very upset one day about everything happening in your home… and then it’s like you just go silent. It’s concerning. I truly like you as a person… so I’m not even being mean or shady. I’m just saying that it looks concerning.” She holds her hands up.
Marcie: “Listen, we’re in therapy and we’re working on it but it absolutely did not warrant what Yvonne said to me that night I’m sorry.” She crosses her arms. “Like, it doesn’t.”
“ Yvonne may have had some valid points in her argument, I still don’t think it’s fair to throw what she said out there in such a public place. I’m sure all of Beach Haus knows that Jon hits Marcie now.”
Marcie: “I’m sorry for not being open about things either, but the whole thing was incredibly low.” She looks at Serena.
Serena: “Absolutely. I can’t say that she was completely right about her choice of words, but she had points. Just know I’m worried about you and I truly care for you.” She nods.
Valentina: “I agree she should not have said that in such a public place. Serena you remember when I brought up the bruises and you, Olivia and Yvonne about tore me a new one.”
Serena: “That’s true. I can understand your frustration. I’m sorry that you have to keep reliving this. Especially so public.” She reaches over and squeezes Marcie’s hand.
Marcie: “Thank you ladies.. I just can’t fathom saying that to anyone let alone my friend so that’s where her and I stand.”
Serena: “I think you two should talk. Honestly, it’s probably just best to just lay it out on the table.”
Marcie: “I’m okay for now Serena, maybe in Paris.”
Serena: “Yess! I’m so ready for Paris!”
Valentina: “I’m honestly excited to get away this momma needs a break from reality and some fun in Paris! But…I mean is anyone worried about how Paris is going to go?”
Marcie: “I’m sure it’ll go well, we’re all on vacation let’s just relax knowing there’s no full on blood feud going on like last time!”
The ‘Wives chuckle. There is a notification sound and Valentina looks down at her phone.
Valentina: “Oh Brandon is on his way! Let’s get this show on the road. I still have to change into my lingerie!” She begins to get up.
Serena: “Yess! We’ll finish down here while you go get ready!”
Valentina: “Thank you Serena and Marcie, I love you girls!” She hugs the girls. “Just let yourselves out!”
The scene fades as Valentina, Serena, and Marcie get up from the cabana.
The scene opens up as the sun begins to set over Beverly Beach. As the golden glow veils the town, we are shown a cute cocktail lounge.
Inside, Yvonne is being led to a seating area for two.
We get footage of her reading over the menu as her confessional begins to play.
“Today, I’ve invited Violette out to clear the air after our blowup at the Beach Day. I want to understand her better and help her understand my viewpoint better so that we can potentially build a relationship. I don’t want to be at odds with her.”
The scene switches to outside to show Violette walking into the establishment. She quickly spots Yvonne and makes her way over.
Violette: “Hi…how are you?”
Yvonne gets up and Violette gives her a quick kiss on the cheek.
Violette: “Thank you for the invite.”
They sit down.
Yvonne: “Thank you for coming. I was about to give our waiter here my order.” She looks over at him. “I’ll have the calamari and a glass of your Vovo Pinto Grigio.” She sets her menu down.
Violette: “I will have a sparkling water with a slice of lime and I’ll do the wedge salad.” She smiles.
“I was honestly kind of surprised to get a text from Yvonne wanting to meet up. I thought the way we came at each other at the Beach Haus the other day, we were kind of ‘done’.
But I am here with an open mind and hoping we can sort this out and move on.”
Violette: “So…what’s up?”
Yvonne: “Well I called you here today because I want to be the bigger person and take a step toward helping us move forward.” She motions to herself. “I’m not sure what you were told exactly but clearly you were very upset by whatever message got passed to you. I want to clear the air on what happened between us and hopefully wipe the slate clean.”
Violette nods and smiles a bit.
Violette: “Well I appreciate that. And yes, I was quite obviously upset at you the last time we were together. I’m actually still pretty upset. I think for me… I thought we were building a friendship and I thought we were getting on well and then here lately, you’ve been throwing digs at me and I’ll admit I have thrown some at you too.”
Yvonne: “To be frank, I’m not sure how you thought we’d be building a friendship when this is the first time we’ve spent time together away from the group.”
Violette’s eyes widen and she looks shocked.
Violette: “Oh wow. Well, that’s kind of cold. Hmm. Alright. I just assumed since we were getting along and we had some nice moments that we were slowly building something. But, I can see it didn’t appear that way for you. Which is fine, I understand.” She nods and takes a sip of her water.
“I guess I am a fool for thinking Yvonne and I were becoming friends. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice? Yeah, no, never. I see her clearly now.”
Violette: “I’m just confused as to what happened and why we went so far off base. You spoke about my relationship and I didn’t like that. I’m very protective over my safe space and it felt like an intrusion on that.”
Yvonne: “I do want to clarify that I did talk shit about you and your relationship. It’s strange to me and I don’t get it but I’m not doing it to be messy, I’m trying to look out for a successful woman living in limbo.”
Violette: “I don’t get why you are so concerned about it. I am a grown woman. I make my own decisions and choices. If I choose to be with someone who you think isn’t good for me, that’s my business. You either need to shut up and accept it or just shut up and mind your business.” She glares at Yvonne.
Yvonne: “Look, I’ve been where you are- gaining success in my professional endeavor while everyone else is only interested in salacious gossip about my relationship.”
Yvonne: “I’m not your friend so I thought vocalizing it to your friend, Olivia, could be my best bet at getting something through to you or changing my perspective.” She shrugs. “However, as you see — “
Yvonne thanks the waiter as her calamari is set down before looking back at Violette.
Yvonne: “Olivia is only concerned with playing telephone.” She throws a piece of calamari in her mouth.
Violette shifts in her seat in angst as the waiter sets down her salad.
Violette: “Okay, see but there you go. If you’ve been in my shoes before… why do to me what you’ve had done to you? It makes absolutely no sense. It is INCREDIBLY frustrating for me being the new girl in this group, I’m wanting to build bonds and form relationships with everyone and all everyone can do is talk shit about my relationship with my Fiancé!”
Yvonne lets out a deep sigh.
Violette: “I think you are missing the point, babe. I am not going to leave my fiancé. You may think someone like Olivia will convince me to do so, but I’m not. I’ll admit, it’s been hard to navigate through our issues right now, but I’m not a quitter and I’m a fighter. He and I will figure it out.”
Yvonne: “And that’s good for you baby!”
“Violette is cute wanting to go back and forth with me over this Jean-Luc character but I could honestly give a fuck at this point. This is a group of women so I really only care about her, he can be gone tomorrow for all I care.”
Yvonne: My advice to you, and let me get this out because you look ready to fly out of your seat…don’t tell any of us messy old bitches anything.” She laughs.
Violette: “Are you insinuating that Olivia doesn’t have my best interest at heart?” She cuts into her salad.
Yvonne: “I’m not insinuating anything. It doesn’t seem like she does to me and clearly not to you or you’d be defending her right now instead of trying to probe my thoughts for validation.” She sips her wine.
Violette looks stunned and begins shaking her head.
Violette: “That’s not what I am trying to do at all. I just want to know if there’s something you aren’t telling me. I’ve been lied to enough and I’ve been talked about enough lately.”
“I don’t know what Yvonne is trying to do here. If she’s trying to manipulate or gaslight me into thinking she’s got my best interest at heart and Olivia doesn’t? I’d like to pride myself on being a pretty smart girl, but, I haven’t really made the best decisions lately. Being around these women lately have just completely shattered my prefrontal cortex and hippocampus.”
Violette: “Let’s be upfront here. I don’t really see Olivia doing anything malicious to me honestly. For god sakes our men are very close! Brandon was apparently out that night with Jean Luc when he was flirting with that stupid bitch.” She shrugs.
Yvonne: “So Olivia’s husband was out with your fiancé while he was flirting with another woman and Olivia didn’t tell you? Ha!” She raises an eyebrow and sips her drink. “Nothing malicious though.” She scoffs.
Violette: “I don’t think she knew… if she did, she would’ve told me certainly, right? She and I are friends. You would tell a close friend of yours if you knew that information wouldn’t you?”
Yvonne: “A close friend. But, not the fiancè of my husband’s close friend…”
“Violette is as naive as she looks if she thinks Olivia Blake missed an opportunity to be messy. If you ask me, she threw me under the bus to distract Violette from questioning her loyalty. Because we all know Olivia wouldn’t be caught off guard by gossip — hell, she probably was spreading it.”
Violette looks at Yvonne, she blinks as she is clearly thinking.
Violette: “Well, I don’t know what to think then.” She sighs. “Thank you for this. I hope we were able to squash our issues. If you don’t talk about me and my relationship, I won’t speak about you or your finances anymore.” She laughs.
Yvonne: “Yes, I won’t tell my truth and you won’t tell a lie. I’d ask you to shake on this truce but you’re clearly in a hurry.” She smiles and then finishes the rest of her wine.
Violette: “We can shake hands, Yvonne.” She laughs and extends her hand out. “My god, don’t be so damn difficult Jesus Christ!”
Yvonne shakes her hand.
Yvonne: “Thank you for meeting with me, love. I’ll see when I see you. Bye now!”
Yvonne waves as Violette saunters out. She then pulls out hand sanitizer and sprays it, rubbing her hands together.
Yvonne: “Alright, back to my calamari.”
The scene fades.
The camera pans over the Armani residence at night.
Outside at the table the ‘Wives had previously set up, Valentina is seen struggling to light a candle.
“So my hard working hubby is finally coming back home after being gone for close to a month now working on his latest project! I figured this little date night we could get back our spark with tensions being so high lately between us.”
Valentina is seen scurring inside as she fixes herself in the hallway mirror.
Valentina: “I can’t believe it’s been almost four weeks since I’ve seen Brandon. I can’t wait to get my hands all over him!” She smiles at her reflection and winks.
The camera pans to show Brandon entering the house with a bag.
Brandon: “Valentina, where are you? Hello…”
Valentina: “Honey I’m in here in the kitchen! I was just tidying up the place!”
Brandon walks into the kitchen to see rose petals everywhere. There are beautiful framed pictures of the Armani couple. There is champagne chilling in a bucket with two flutes. Valentina’s begins pouring them a glass.
Brandon: “Woah what is all this about?”
Valentina: “I had some help by Marcie and Serena but I wanted to do this for you since we haven’t seen each other in a month! I’ve missed you!” She gives him a kiss and then hands him his glass of champagne.
Brandon: “Well this looks amazing, how much did this cost me?”
Valentina: “I actually used my own money for this.” She looks at him. “Anyways, come! Let’s have dinner outside!”
Valentina grabs two plates of food and leads Brandon to the outside table she had set up by the pool.
The couple sit and immediately start eating.
Brandon: “The food is a little cold babe…”
Valentina: “Give me the plate! I’ll go reheat it for you!”
Brandon: “No, no. It’s fine.” He shakes his head.
Valentina frowns a bit before perking up and beginning to eat her pasta.
Valentina: “So tell me how’s your movie been going?”
Brandon: “The movie has been going great. We are a little over halfway done with the movie. I think this might be one of my best films I’ve acted in.”
Valentina: “Aww I love to hear that! Well Cali and Carter have missed you and so have I.”
Brandon looks over at Valentina.
Brandon: “You know when work calls Val I have to go. If you want this lifestyle and keep the private jet than these are the consequences that you will have to deal with.”
Valentina: “I guess you’re right. Are you sure that’s the only reason you’ve stayed home this long?” She raises and eyebrow and takes a sip of her wine.
“Look I am super blessed to life this lavish lifestyle and not have to penny clinch on everything but I didn’t sign up for a husband who’s gone for a month and then comes back and gives me a cold shoulder. I know something deeper is going on here.”
Brandon: “She makes me feel uncomfortable in my own home and she’s not very pleasant to either you or me.”
Valentina: “But she loves our kids Brandon. I know this visit has turned more so into a little bit of a longer stay than you or I imagined, but I’m trying to not let her completely destroy me or my marriage.”
Brandon: “I don’t know how much more of this I can take with her being here. She makes my blood boil every time I’m around! Where is she tonight?”
Valentina: “I put her and the kids up at the Beverly Beach Hotel. I figured they would love the staycation. They will be back in the morning!”
Brandon pulls out his phone and begins texting.
Brandon: “Well I guess I can leave in the morning to head back to the set. Let me text the pilot…I don’t get why you can’t grow a backbone and stand up to her?”
Valentina looks over at Brandon and begins tearing up.
Valentina: “Brandon please don’t do this. I’ve worked hard to make this meal and decorate our home to make it sentimental and romantic and you want to turn tonight into a fight about my mom? Look I’m trying to navigate being in a middle of two people I love.”
“Look you all probably wonder why I still put up with my mom after all the shit she does to me…. I don’t have a clear answer for you other than she’s my mother and I think every daughter wants the love from her mother. My father isn’t here anymore and she’s the only family I have left except my aunt who lives all the way in Florida. So I try to fight for her love and affection but it’s clearly destroying my marriage.”
Brandon sighs and sets down his phone on the table.
Brandon: “Leaving at 9 tomorrow.” He taps his phone and then notices Valentina crying. “Val, please stop crying. I didn’t mean to upset you but Katarina can be viscous and vindictive.”
Brandon: “I’ve always thought since I’ve met you that she was envious of you and the life you get to live compared to the life she lived. She may have been an actresses back in the 80’s and 90’s but she’s past her prime. She’s destroying our marriage and our family. You have to do something, otherwise… I don’t know how much more of this I can handle.”
Valentina: “Brandon, please don’t ever say those words to me. I don’t even want to think about divorce or a life without you in it. I will have a conversation with her before you get back from the movie wrapping. I can’t guarantee anything but I will try my best to see how I can manage this situation moving forward. I guess I didn’t realize this situation between you two was so bad and beyond repairable.”
Brandon: “I think she’s done somethings to me that I just could never forgive her for. I hope you stand your ground with her and figure out how to love her from afar.”
Valentina: “Look tonight was supposed to be a fun date night between us, but I have lost my appetite. Let’s just table this conversation. Maybe I will feel better if I go shower and get dressed up for you.” She smirks.
Brandon: “I am kinda tired tonight babe, I just got off a long flight and then this conversation tonight killed my mood.” He shrugs and gets up, carrying his plate inside.
The episode ends as Valentina stares off, looking concerned at the table alone.
